Ice Ice Baby

Volunteering is in my blood. I have had many generations of strong female leads in my family who have always modeled the importance of volunteering and how it can strengthen not only the community, but also personal development. From a very young age I witnessed the positive influence that a volunteer can have, so I also began volunteering from a very early age. Like minded people often band together which strengthens the network of friends and people with whom we can effect change. Such was the case in February 2021 when we were asked not to skate on our usual reservoir. Recognizing that people still needed an outlet, a sense of purpose, and a place to gather safely, some phone calls were made and the town granted a permit to build a rink on the Glen Williams Ball diamond. Enter an army of volunteers from within the community (more than 50!) to stomp snow, set up perimeter boards, stomp more snow, and flood and maintain the ice and the project became an most amazing community endeavor. New acquaintances were made, highschoolers earned community volunteer hours, and most of all, it was fun. Not in a million years could I have imagined the joy that this brought to me and to the people who, young and old, came out to enjoy the rink and all it had to offer. Without the support of so many, this may not have been as successful as it was. It definitely brought out the best of people in a month that could have been so dark and isolating, especially in CoVid times.